That’s not my statement. It came from the ever straightforward book of Proverbs or, at least, Max Lucado’s interpretation of the verse. The NLT says, “Unfriendly people care only about themselves.” The message is pretty much the same, but I think the use of the word selfish is appropriate. It says that we are closing ourselves off from others, not sharing good times and bad, not helping when needed. So, just how friendly are we as a people of God?

Pastor Dennis has been speaking for several weeks on the topic Love Guides the Gospel. Our society typically sees love as a “feeling” for a special person, a sensation encouraged by physical attraction to that person. How often do we hear someone say “love you” at the end of a conversation? We all need romantic love in our relationships, but when we dive a little deeper, we learn that the word love is a verb, you know… an action word. Love means putting our words into action, reaching out from ourselves for the betterment of those around us.

Love is not a feeling but a choice we make about how we will treat people. Joyce Meyer, Quiet Times with God

Very early in our relationship, my husband told me that he was a shy person. Not so…as I learned very quickly. He debunked that description of himself when he asked me straight out if I knew Jesus. That’s a story I shared with you recently, but it bears another look because it relates so well to the topic at hand. Ken was completely comfortable asking me if I knew Jesus, partly because my answer would be an important component to the future of our relationship but also just because he wanted to share Jesus’ love with everyone, including me.

It doesn’t matter where we go, Ken always finds a stranger with whom to converse. In fact, when we were out camping with family and dinnertime rolled around, we’d ask our granddaughter where Grandpa was, and the answer was almost always, “He’s talking to strangers again.” Clearly, she frowned upon that habit of his.

Our society, rightfully so, considering the dangers lurking around many corners, teaches children at an early age not to speak to strangers. But, in our fear that something bad will happen to our kids, are we establishing a lifelong pattern of unfriendliness? Add to that our propensity to embrace technology, and we tend to withdraw into our own private little worlds. Strange, isn’t it, that technology opens up so many worlds to explore, but it isolates us from in-person human interaction.

Thankfully, Ken still embraces both worlds. He certainly keeps up with world happenings and the latest trends in lifestyle, but he also reaches out to new families who move into our neighborhood. He takes the time to go and greet them, introduce himself, learn their names, and he typically asks if they have a church home. I’m quite sure my eyes opened wide the first time I heard him do that, but I’ve become very comfortable with his approach to “evangelism.” He cares about people and if they don’t have a church family, he wants to make sure they know the opportunity is there to come and check out ours.

For a long time, I found it harder to reach out spontaneously and share Jesus with others, but it’s amazing how much easier it gets with practice. That’s something we all need to practice more.

Whether or not you are friendly could determine whether or not someone hears about Jesus. Max Lucado, Everyday Blessings

Thank you, Lord, for pulling us out of ourselves. And into your love. Buck Storm, Daily Guideposts

I need to add a postscript….As is typical, when I finish writing, I asked the Lord to tell me if there was anything else I needed to add, and then I went outside to water my plants. During the entire time I was spraying water over thirsty ground, the words to the song “Open the Gates” kept dominating my thoughts, the melody floating through my subconscious awareness. And suddenly, I remembered we had sung that song as our opener on Sunday morning. You know how it is when you hear a certain song and it sets itself on repeat for a long time.

OK Lord, I got the message. I need to open the floodgates of my heart, to be friendly, and let your love pour out on everyone I meet, even if they are reluctant to receive it. At least the seed is planted. Maybe someday it will take root and begin to grow. That’s how it works. We plant seeds and you, Lord, nourish them in Your good timing. Now that the mission is clear, please give me the tools I need to carry out my portion. I never want to be unfriendly or selfish with your love! Amen.